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These scopes provide the best performance but may require more skill to master and appreciate. They have exceptionally fine optics and mechanics. Some are easy to use but are but on the large or heavy side. Some are intended for specialized uses. These scopes will appeal to the more technically inclined. Referring to the manual is highly recommended.

An elegant combination of three astronomical attributes: powerful optical performance, convenient collapsible portability, and modern motorized GoTo and tracking technology

Big 12" aperture reflector optics bring in a huge amount of light from the night sky for great views of nebulas, galaxies, star clusters and solar system targets like the Moon and planets

Orion-designed collapsible GoTo Dobsonian base AND 8-pole truss optical tube both break down into easily manageable components for transport in virtually any car

The XX12g now comes Wi-Fi enabled, which means it can be controlled wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet instead of with the SynScan hand controller. Just download the FREE SynScan Pro app to your iOS or Android device to enjoy wireless GoTo control

Our most advanced 12" Dobsonian reflector telescope is geared up for extensive exploration of the night sky. With fully motorized GoTo and tracking drives providing automated pointing to any of the over 42,000 celestial objects in the hand controller's database, the Orion SkyQuest XX12g GoTo Truss Tube Dobsonian is truly a telescope that will keep you up at night - in a good way.

Orion designed the XX12g's optical tube and base with portability in mind. The truss tube can be divided into a small front tube section including the secondary mirror and focuser, rear tube section housing the primary mirror cell, and the four truss-pole pairs. The XX12g telescope optical tube employs a rigid 8-pole truss design that virtually eliminates flexure observed in 6- and 3-pole collapsible tube designs. Stability of the assembled XX12g Dobsonian base is enhanced by its 1" thick composite wood base panels, which are laminated with water-resistant black melamine. We've increased the portability of the XX12g compared to its XX12i IntelliScope-equipped counterpart by making the base collapsible for easy no-tools-required disassembly into four separate, smaller pieces for easier transport. The separated component pieces of the XX12g tube and base can be stored without taking up an excessive amount of space in your home, and can be transported in virtually any standard-sized car to your favorite dark-sky observing site.

The computerized XX12g GoTo system automatically slews the telescope to any of the over 42,000 celestial objects you choose from the hand controller's intuitive menus, once a simple alignment process is completed. Altitude and azimuth motors automatically track the motion of the target object so it stays put in the eyepiece field of view for extended visual study. For anyone who has spent an evening manually tracking objects with a Dobsonian this is a profound upgrade, and trust us, it was worth the wait. Forgiving of bumps and nudges, the XX12g features closed-loop electronics allowing manual repositioning, or slewing, of the telescope tube without losing alignment of the GoTo system. Redesigned heavy-duty clutches allow motion in both axes to be adjusted independently to desired level of resistance.

Since its Dobsonian base can be separated into four pieces, the SkyQuest XX12g is a perfect telescope for on-the-go stargazers. GoTo and tracking motors are pre-installed on the base panels, making assembly and disassembly quick and easy. Once the tube and base are assembled, the reflector optical tube attaches to the base with a sturdy dovetail trunnion and locks securely in place with a single captive hand knob. Since all base and truss tube hardware is captive, you don't have to worry about leaving a screw behind after a long night of viewing in the field.

Heavy-duty clutches and forgiving closed-loop electronics make the XX12g a truly deluxe Dob.

Forgiving of accidental bumps, the XX12g's GoTo system features closed-loop electronics allowing manual repositioning or slewing of the telescope tube without losing alignment. In fact, depending on your preference you can choose to operate the telescope in either GoTo or auto tracking modes. Redesigned heavy-duty altitude and azimuth clutches allow motion in both axes to be adjusted independently to desired level of resistance.

With 12" (305mm) of light gobbling aperture and a fast f/4.9 focal ratio, the XX12g is capable of providing clear, crisp and very bright views of the night sky. The 12"-aperture parabolic primary mirror is crafted from low thermal expansion glass for speedy ambient temperature acclimation and optimal visual performance. An included cooling accelerator fan helps hasten temperature acclimation of the primary mirror (requires 8 D-cell batteries, or other 12V power source, not included). The XX12g primary mirror features enhanced reflectivity aluminum coatings which provide 94% reflectivity with a protective quartz overcoat.

Take a motorized tour of interesting celestial objects with the SkyQuest XX12g GoTo Dob.

Following a simple alignment process, the XX12g GoTo system can automatically slew the telescope to locate any of the over 42,000 celestial objects you choose from the hand controller's intuitive menus. Altitude and azimuth motors automatically track the target object so it stays put in the eyepiece field of view for extended visual study.

The dual-speed abilities of the 2" Crayford focuser with its 11:1 fine-focus ratio allows you to dial in precise details of any celestial denizen. Both 2" and 1.25" telescope eyepieces can be used, thanks to the included 1.25" step-down adapter. Thanks to its Crayford design, focus adjustments are silky smooth and free of backlash, even when using heavier 2" oculars. (Optional 35mm DeepView 2" eyepiece shown, sold separately.)

Enjoy wide field views of the night sky with the included 28mm DeepView 2" eyepiece.

You'll love exploring deep sky delicacies with the XX12g and included 28mm DeepView eyepiece. Its 56° apparent field of view provides a nice, wide window of sky to explore. With multi-coated optics and long 20mm eye relief, the 28mm DeepView is a great eyepiece to use for comfortable, expansive observations of the night sky.

Use the 12.5mm Illuminated Reticle eyepiece for easy and accurate GoTo alignment.

The included 1.25" 12.5mm Plossl eyepiece features an internal crosshair reticle pattern that can be illuminated for easy visibility at night. Using this powerful eyepiece to precisely center alignment stars helps improve the accuracy of the XX12g GoTo system for optimized object location and motorized tracking. The LED-illuminated double crossline reticle has adjustable focus and brightness.

Now all SkyQuest XTg and XXg GoTo Dobsonian telescopes - including this one - come Wi-Fi enabled, which means they can be controlled wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet instead of with the cabled SynScan hand controller! Just download the FREE SynScan Pro app to your iOS or Android device to enjoy wireless GoTo control! The SynScan Pro app is not a planetarium program, but rather provides similar intuitive menus and functions as the SynScan hand controller. Once you go wireless, you may never go back to "cable" again!

A collimation cap, removable eyepiece rack, 12V DC power cable and RS-232 cable are also included.

A 12V power supply (sold separately) is required for use of the telescope's GoTo system and motors.

A specially designed Light Shroud is available (sold separately) for the Orion XX12g optical tube. A Light Shroud significantly enhances the viewing experience in a Truss Tube Dobsonian by blocking distracting peripheral light from entering the light path, optimizing contrast and brightness.

A custom Orion Padded Case Set (sold separately) is available for the XX12g Dobsonian optical tube. Each set of cases includes a padded case for the top tube section including a secondary mirror cover, a padded case for the bottom tube section, and a roll-up case to safely hold the truss-pole assemblies. An Orion Padded Case Set is the best way to preserve and protect your investment for years to come.

WARNING! When using a truss tube Dobsonian telescope for solar observing, always use a Light Shroud and a properly sized solar filter. When you install the Light Shroud make certain there are no gaps between the Shroud and the telescope where direct sunlight can reach the telescope mirror. When a truss tube telescope (equipped with a solar filter but no Light Shroud) is pointing near (not at) the Sun, direct sunlight can hit the mirror and focus on the solar filter or other portions of the telescope. This can lead to eye injury or damage to the telescope. Using a Light Shroud protects your telescope from peripheral sunlight.

Before using any telescope for solar observing, make sure to install all dustcaps or other protective covers on all optical components such as finder scopes to keep sunlight from passing through them. Glancing through an uncovered optical system, even for an instant, can cause permanent eye damage. Always install protective caps on all optical instruments if left out during daylight hours.

Warranty

Limited Warranty against defects in materials or workmanship for one year from date of purchase. This warranty is for the benefit of the original retail purchaser only. For complete warranty details contact us at 800-447-1001.

Warning

Please note this product was not designed or intended by the manufacturer for use by a child 12 years of age or younger.

User level

Level 1 Beginner - Suited for a wide range of uses, these telescopes are simple to operate and set up. Some initial assembly may be required. Very good optical and mechanical quality. Great for families, young people, and folks who don't want to mess with equipment but just want to take a look. Any of these scopes will show you countless lunar craters, Saturn's rings and a myriad of star clusters and nebulas! Referring to the manual is recommended.

Level 2 Intermediate - These scopes offer higher performance and more advanced features than Level 1: Beginner models. They typically take a bit longer to learn and need some set-up or adjustments. But anyone with the slightest technical bent will have no problem getting familiar with these models. Referring to the manual is recommended.

Level 3 Advanced - These scopes provide the best performance but may require more skill to master and appreciate. They have exceptionally fine optics and mechanics. Some are easy to use but are on the large or heavy side. Some are intended for specialized uses. These scopes will appeal to the more technically inclined. Referring to the manual is highly recommended.

Level 4 Expert - Expert telescopes offer uncompromising optical and mechanical quality for the most demanding amateur astronomer. They may be technically involved or designed for specialized use, such as astrophotography or detailed deep sky observation. They carry a premium price, but are designed to provide the ultimate performance in the field. Referring to the manual is highly recommended.

Optical design

Reflector telescopes use a pair of large and small mirrors to direct incoming light to the eyepiece.
Refractor telescopes refract, or "bend" incoming light to a focus by means of an objective lens.
Cassegrain telescopes, such as Maksutov-Cassegrains, "fold" incoming light using two mirrors and a front "corrector" lens.

Optical diameter

For telescopes, the optical diameter (also known as aperture) is the size of a telescope's main light-collecting lens or primary mirror, measured in millimeters or inches. Telescopes with larger optical diameters collect more light, which leads to an increase in brightness and image resolution compared to smaller instruments.

For binoculars, the optical diameter (also known as objective lens diameter) is the size of each of the front-facing objective lenses of a binocular measured in millimeters. Binoculars with larger objective lenses collect more light, which increases image resolution and brightness. Binoculars with larger objective lenses are recommended for low light situations, and binoculars with at least 50mm or larger objective lenses are recommended for pleasing astronomical observations at night.

Focal length

The distance from the center of a curved mirror or lens at which parallel light rays converge to a single point. The focal length is an inherent specification of a mirror or lens and is one of the factors in determining resultant magnification for a telescope (along with the focal length of the eyepiece being used).

Focal ratio

The focal ratio of an optical system is the ratio of a telescope's focal length to its aperture. Short focal ratios (f/5, f/4.5) produce wide fields of view and small image scales, while long focal lengths produce narrower fields of views and larger image scales.

Optics type

Newtonian reflectors will have either a spherical shaped mirror, which is less expensive to produce, or a higher quality parabola, which does not result in spherical aberration. Cassegrain telescopes routinely use spheres in addition to other lenses in the optical path to correct for residual spherical aberration.
Refractors use a series of lenses to provide a clear image. Designs range from a standard air-spaced doublet (two lenses in a row) to exotic designs such as oil-spaced triplets and 4-element multi group lenses.

Glass material

Refractors use glass lenses to focus the light, and the glass material plays an important role in the quality of the resulting image. Standard achromatic refractors routinely use Crown and Flint for the two elements, but more expensive apochromatic refractors can use ED (extra low dispersion) glass for one or more of the lenses. Reflector mirrors are made from glass with different levels of thermal expansion. Standard mirrors are made from material such as Soda-Lime Plate glass and BK-7 glass. Glass with Pyrex or other low thermal expansion material will not change shape as dramatically during the cool-down period, resulting in more stable images during this period.

Resolving power

The theoretical resolving power of a telescope can be calculated with the following formula: Resolving power (in arc seconds) = 4.56 divided by aperture of telescope (in inches). In metric units, this is: Resolving power (in arc seconds) = 116 divided by aperture of telescope (in millimeters). Note that the formula is independent of the telescope type or model, and is based only upon the aperture of the telescope. So the larger the telescope's aperture, the more it is capable of resolving. This is important to keep in mind when observing astronomical objects which require high resolution for best viewing, such as planets and double stars. However, it is usually atmospheric seeing conditions (not the telescope) which limits the actual resolving power on a given night; rarely is resolution less than one arc-second possible from even the best viewing locations on Earth.

Lowest useful magnification

Lowest useful magnification is the power at which the exit pupil becomes 7mm in diameter. Powers below this can still be reached with the telescope to give wider fields of view, but the image no longer becomes brighter at a lower power. This is due to the fact that the exit pupil of the telescope (the beam of light exiting the eyepiece) is now larger than the average person's dark adapted pupil, and no more light can fit into the eye.

Highest useful magnification

The highest practical limit is different from the often used "highest theoretical magnification" specification. The "theoretical" limit generally is 50x the aperture of the scope in inches (2x the aperture in mm). So for example, an 80mm refractor is capable of 160x, and a 10" telescope is theoretically capable of 500x magnification.
But after approximately 300x, theory breaks down and real world problems take over. The atmosphere above us is constantly in motion, and it will distort the image seen through the telescope. This effect may not be noticeable at lower powers, but at higher powers the atmosphere will dramatically blur the object, reducing the quality of the image. On a good night (a night where the air above is steady and the stars aren't twinkling), the practical upper limit of a large telescope is 300x, even thought the theoretical limit may be much higher. This doesn't mean the scope will never be able to reach those higher "theoretical" powers - there will be that rare night where the atmosphere is perfectly still and the scope can be pushed past it's practical limit, but those nights will be few and far between.

Astro-imaging capability

The astro-photographic capability of the telescope is based on the style, stability, and accuracy of the mount and tripod. Telescopes on either very lightweight mounts or non tracking mounts (such as Dobsonians) are capable of only very short exposures such as lunar photographs. If a motor drive is attached to an equatorial mount, even a small lightweight mount is capable of capturing some planetary detail. Larger EQ mounts that utilize very precise tracking and excellent stability are capable of longer exposure deep-sky photography.

Computerized compatibility

Some mounts are compatible with a motorized Go-To system for fully automated computer finding of objects in the night sky. Others mounts are compatible with computer finding systems which require the user to manually move the mount to the object's position as indicated by the computer finder.

Warranty

This warranty gives you specific legal rights. It is not intended to remove or restrict your other legal rights under applicable local consumer law; your state or national statutory consumer rights governing the sale of consumer goods remain fully applicable.

Orders received by 1pm Eastern Standard Time for in-stock items ship the same business day. Order received after noon will ship the next business day. When an item is not in-stock we will ship it as soon as it becomes available. Typically in-stock items will ship first and backordered items will follow as soon as they are available. You have the option in check out to request that your order ship complete, if you'd prefer.

A per-item shipping charge (in addition to the standard shipping and handling charge) applies to this product due to its size and weight. This charge varies based on the shipping method.

This product is available to ship Standard delivery within the 50 US states and US territories/protectorates address. Delivery is not available to APO/DPO/FPO addresses . Delivery is available to Canada.

The Orion SkyQuest XX14g Dobsonian telescope is good for the advanced user wanting to see the best and brightest views of deep sky objects as well as planetary detail. Fully computerized GoTo telescope, and the trusses allow for a compact breakdown.

This custom designed Orion light shroud blocks stray light to improve image contrast on the SkyQuest XX12 Truss Dobsonian telescope. It is made of opaque black stretch nylon that fits like a glove and fastens with elastic on both ends.

This set of Padded Telescope Cases is designed to protect all parts of your Skyquest XX12i telescope. It includes a case for the upper optical tube section, one for the lower optical tube and a case for the truss poles.

Scope Cloaks protect your telescope from dirt, moisture and sunlight. This Orion ScopeCloak fits 12-16" Dobsonian telescopes and is made from reflective, tear-resistant fabric with waterproof lining and has a locking drawstring.

This value-packed kit includes two vital items required for safe observation of the Sun through a SkyQuest XX12 Truss Tube Dobsonian. Kit includes an XX12 Light Shroud and off-axis glass solar filter specially designed to fit the XX12 telescope.

The Orion 1.25" Telescope Accessory Kit includes a good starting assortment of eyepieces to get the most out of your telescope. Two Sirius Plossl 1.25" eyepieces, a Shorty Barlow lens, 4 filters for lunar and planetary viewing, and an aluminum case.

The Orion DualBeam LED Astro Flashlight is a great multipurpose flashlight that lets you choose red or white light with the flip a switch. Red light preserves your night vision, while white light is brighter and great for packing up after viewing.

About Orion Telescopes & Binoculars

Since 1975 Orion Telescopes & Binoculars has been offering telescopes for sale direct to customers. Now an employee-owned company, we pride ourselves on an unswerving commitment to best quality products, value and unmatched customer care. Our 100% satisfaction guarantee says it all.

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